Iranian authorities have announced the execution of two men convicted of killing police officers by setting them on fire during anti government protests, in one of the country’s latest uses of the death penalty in cases linked to civil unrest.
Iran’s judiciary said the pair were found guilty of carrying out the deadly attack during demonstrations and were sentenced to death after being convicted on charges that included murder and other security related offences.
According to state authorities, the two men were accused of attacking police officers during the protests, resulting in fatalities. The executions were carried out after the Supreme Court upheld the convictions and death sentences.
The case has drawn renewed international attention to Iran’s use of capital punishment in connection with protest related cases. Human rights organisations have repeatedly criticised such executions, arguing that defendants in politically sensitive trials may not receive fair judicial proceedings.
Iranian officials, however, have defended the sentences, saying those responsible for violent attacks against security personnel and public property would be held accountable under the country’s laws.
The executions come amid continued international scrutiny of Iran’s response to anti government protests that have erupted across the country in recent years, leading to hundreds of arrests, prosecutions, and multiple death sentences.
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